Tokyo 2020 reacts to winning the Bid for the Olympics in 2020 (c)IOC/Juilliart

Reaction to Tokyo winning 2020 Olympic bid

07 Sep 2013

Buenos Aires, Argentina: When IOC President Jacques Rogge opened the envelope and announced that Tokyo would be hosting the 2020 Olympic Games, the normally reserved character of the Japanese suddenly cracked and filled the Hilton Hotel auditorium with cheers of celebration and tears of pride and joy. Here are a few comments on Tokyo's victory over Istanbul in the second round of voting after Madrid had been eliminated in the first round.

“Tokyo is honoured and humbled by the International Olympic Committee’s decision to award us the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.The Olympic Family has put its faith in our great city to deliver the memorable Games we have promised, and we will not let them down.” - IOC Member and President of both Tokyo 2020 and the Japanese Olympic Committee, Tsunekazu Takeda.

“By hosting the 2020 Tokyo Games we will create hope. We will offer dreams and hope to future generations, and our hosting of the Games will accelerate the recovery of Japan’s tsunami-affected area. We will promote the Olympic Movement globally in an effort to create a peaceful and better world." - Naoki Inose, Chairman of Tokyo 2020 and Governor of Tokyo.

"I feel Tokyo prevailed on the basis of their excellent bid, and their experience in the previous games played a role too in what they described as a safe pair of hands." - IOC President Jacques Rogge.

“Tokyo convinced with an excellent presentation this morning. It is a well-deserved victory. Go to new shores or to a traditional bid? Tokyo was a more traditional choice.” - IOC Vice President Thomas Bach of Germany.

“We had three really strong candidates. There was a lot of debate among ourselves. Tokyo ensured security, also there was no problem with regard to financing, nor for the construction of venues nor the organization. I think Turkey’s geopolitical situation played a role in it too. My IOC colleagues prefer sure bets.” - IOC member Prince Albert of Monaco.

"Thank you very much for your support for the Tokyo 2020 Bid throughout the campaign. We are confident that 2020 will be a memorable and exciting year for Japan, and also that Tokyo 2020 will inspire children worldwide. Japan is united as one, and let’s continue to work hard together to ensure the best possible 2020 Games." - Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Bid Committee.